Pope Leo XIV was greeted by a huge crowd in Douala on 17 April 2026. Thousands of faithful, officially more than 120,000, accompanied him on his journey to the esplanade of the Japoma stadium, where a large-scale Mass was celebrated. This marked a major milestone in his apostolic journey to Cameroon.
Riding in his popemobile, with his arm raised to greet the crowd, the Pope made a grand entrance on 17 April at the Japoma Stadium in Douala, stirring deep emotion among the faithful. An iconic venue, the esplanade of the Japoma Stadium in the third district of the capital of the Littoral Region, which had hosted the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations, was transformed for the occasion into a vast space for prayer. More than 120,000 people gathered there, according to figures from the Catholic Church in Cameroon. Held under the theme “Give them something to eat yourselves”, this Mass saw an exceptional turnout. The Gospel reading for the day, taken from the Gospel according to John, recalled the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves, a powerful message of sharing and solidarity in the face of human distress.
“Whenever we look at our brothers and sisters who lack the necessities of life, God our Father asks us the same question, through Jesus, as he did of his disciples: what are we doing for these people? What are we doing in the face of this hungry and oppressed crowd?”
LÉON XIV, Pope – United States of America
A message addressed to everyone, from heads of families to political leaders, called upon to ensure the well-being of the people. The Supreme Pontiff also turned to the young people of Cameroon, urging them not to give in to discouragement or violence, despite the difficulties.
“The message I took away from the Pope today is, above all, one of love. He asks us to love one another, and for the strong to reach out to the weak, so that we may be in balance and remain in Jesus.”
Christine MANAGA , Catholic believer – Cameroon
“As for the Pope’s message, I took away that he calls us to unity and peace. He also calls on young people to be dynamic, and invites us all to live together in unity and peace.”
Crescence ODIH, Catholic believer – Cameroon
In an atmosphere of fervour, songs and prayers punctuated the celebration, strengthening the unity of the faithful. At the end of Mass, Pope Leo XIV received several traditional gifts, symbols of Cameroonian hospitality, before heading to St Paul’s Hospital to meet the sick, another milestone in his visit to the economic capital.
